Japanese whisky took the Scottish playbook and refined it to a fine point. The result is some of the most elegant, precise whisky made anywhere.

Built on Scottish methods but pursued with a particular Japanese eye for balance and detail, these whiskies favour harmony over showmanship. Two houses dominate the story, Suntory and Nikka, and their entry bottles are the perfect way in.

The Suntory Blends

Suntory is the older giant, and its blends are masterclasses in elegance. Toki is the bright, easy aperitif style, brilliant in a highball; Hibiki Harmony is a step up in richness and depth, honeyed and refined, one of the most gracious blended whiskies in the world.

The Nikka Malts

Nikka brings more muscle. From the Barrel is a small, mighty bottle punching well above its size at cask-ish strength, while the Coffey Malt is silky and honeyed, made in continuous stills for a texture all its own. Between them they show Japanese whisky's bolder side.

Start with a blend in a highball, then explore the malts neat. Japanese whisky rewards attention, and few spirits give back so much elegance for the effort.